Nir Bitton will be happy to see the back of November.
It’s been a traumatic month for the midfielder who has lost his place for club and country.
A misunderstanding on international duty saw him sent home by Elisha Levy before Israel’s recent World Cup qualifier while Stuart Armstrong has replaced the 20-year-old in the Celtic midfield.
The month wasn’t a complete write off however as he picked up a Betfred Cup winners medal on Sunday, appearing as a substitute in Celtic’s 3-0 Hampden triumph over Aberdeen.
Forcing his way back into Brendan Rodgers plans is the priority but the Israeli internationalist knows that the only way to do that is on the park.
“When I get a chance I need to show the gaffer I deserve to play,” he told the Daily Record. “ I try to do that in every game. It doesn’t matter if I play 90, 60 or 10 minutes – I’ll do my best to win for Celtic.
“When you get a chance you have to take it because there are plenty of good players in our squad but when you don’t play and we win trophies, it’s not about you – it’s about the team. And I am happy.
“Israel? That was a bit of a misunderstanding and everything is clear now. Will I play for Israel again? Yeah, it depends on my performances.”
Bitton’s troubled season can be viewed through stats with six yellow cards and no goals so far.
At Hampden he picked up a yellow card with Celtic leading 3-0 and cruising towards the trophy.
Israel’s next World Cup qualifier is away to Spain on March 24
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